North Devon's tastiest treats announced at food awards

The North Devon Food Awards were unveiled the annual Foodfest event held in Barnstaple.

As well as platefuls of the best the region has to offer, members of the public were invited to vote in a poll to decide who should win a number of coveted best-of categories.

Celebrity chef Michael Caines, of Gidleigh Park, who presented the winners with their awards, said they were a credit to North Devon.

“I’d like to congratulate the winners of the Food Awards, it’s a real accolade and recognises the rich food culture and quality of food in North Devon.”

“As a champion of local and regional food, it’s brilliant to attend an event which celebrates the diverse range of top quality food producers and retailers in the area.”

Aniet van de Sande, owner of Terra Madre at Broomhill, which won best restaurant, said it was a huge honour.

“This is a great things for us – we are very pleased as we all work so hard.

“As the winner of this award is chosen by the public this is a huge honour for us.”

The Foodfest event, now in its sixth year, took place at Barnstaple’s Historic Pannier Market, with chef demonstrations being held in the Queen’s Theatre.

The annual celebration of North Devon’s finest food featured over 90 local food and drink exhibitors, chef demonstrations, tastings and live music.

It is estimated that the event, which has grown year on year, brought in nearly 14,000 visitors and is worth a staggering £229, 350 to the local economy.

Kristy Webbe of organisers North Devon+ said: “This year’s Foodfest was bigger and better with more producers, more food stalls than ever before.

“It was a great success and it’s fantastic that so many people supported the event.

“We’ve seen the festival increase in popularity since it began in 2008.

“It supports suppliers, growers and traders, but also promotes our area, helping to create a more productive economy.”

The results of the food awards are as follows:

Best Restaurant

Winner - Terra Madre at Broomhill, of which judges said: “Broomhill's Terra Madra has a strong identity as a restaurant that prides itself on local, organic, fairtrade ingredients served in a uniquely arty and interesting environment.”

Best Café

Winner - Johns of Appledore, of whom the judges said: “This cafe raises the bar! In its glorious setting on Appledore Quay, visitors can be treated to a large menu of local delights.”

Best Food to Go

Winner - Graylings, Fremington, which inspired judges to say: “Graylings - with its light, crisp batter and plump juicy cod, coupled with expertly fried chips, Graylings is just how a traditional fish and chip shop should be.”

Best Pub

Winner – The Bell Inn, Parkham, which judges commended: “This family run pub has the hallmark of owners and staff pleased to go the extra yard to give their customers good food and drink in a comfortable atmosphere of friendly and knowledgeable service.”

Best Producer/Retailer

Winner - Clovelly Fish (Dan the Fishman), Clovelly, which judges said was “ “A real pleasure to visit this colourful market stall, secure in the knowledge that you are buying spanking fresh, locally landed fish.”

Super Service winner was Lizzy’s Larder, Milton Damerel, which was the only category subject solely to a public vote. Owner Lizzy Kirby said: “This is a culmination of a year of hard work and it's nice that people have taken the time to vote. We've had some amazing comments from customers and it's wonderful that we've been recognised in this way.”